Socrates

Buffon positive about Euro 2012 May 30, 2012 Gigi Buffon insists that Italy are in good shape ahead of Euro 2012 despite the latest scandal to hit the country. “Things are going well and we’ll enter the competition with the desire to win it,” the goalkeeper stated at Coverciano on Wednesday. “That is the reason why we are all here… “The climate within the squad is very good and I’m not just saying that. There is the right amount of joy and abandonment here to work in the best way possible. “There is nobody in the squad today that has been directly touched by what has occurred during these past few days.” Italy will start the competition with a game against champions Spain on June 10, before ties against Croatia and the Republic of Ireland. “I think Croatia could be a bit of a surprise,” the Juventus hero continued. “They have some top class players. And I fear Ivica Olic as he scored against me in World Cup 2002.” Today’s Press conference wasn’t just about football though, given the numerous arrests of the last few days with regard to the betting match fixing probe on the peninsula. And Buffon has been criticised over the last 72 hours for expressing his views at the weekend on why some games towards the end of seasons finish in draws. “I can’t honestly tell you what is in my heart and what are in my thoughts,” he stated today. “I have had yet more confirmation that those people with a clear conscience can not express their opinions. “Democracy and freedom, including that of thought, are the first things that should be preserved in life. Then one must accept any subsequent criticism.” Buffon also criticised the way that the media have been reporting developments in the betting match fixing enquiry. “You know about legal proceedings three or four months before they happen. People give evidence and you know what has been said 10 minutes later – it’s embarrassing. “I have faith that those investigating will serve justice, but there is nothing worse than playing or speculating on the lives of people.” Juventus boss Antonio Conte is also under investigation in reference to his time on the Siena bench last season. “I have no fear of losing Conte to a ban. I haven’t even considered that after taking into consideration what he has said himself.”

Buffon defends right to free speech after controversial Scommessopoli comments The Azzurri goalkeeper suggested earlier this week that it is only natural that teams sometimes agree to play out a draw if such a result benefits both parties. May 30, 2012 Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has defended his right to free speech after causing controversy with his comments on Scommessopoli. The Juventus goalkeeper intimated earlier this week that it is only natural that teams will sometimes agree on a draw if a point suits both sides, a view which was not well received in light of the ongoing investigation into match-fixing within the Italian game. Buffon, though, declined the opportunity to hit back during a press conference at Coverciano on Wednesday, but did declare that he was standing by his comments. "I will not tell you what I'm thinking about the controversies that have arisen after my statement," he explained. "I can only say that it has been the umpteenth confirmation that those who have a clear conscience are not free to express their thoughts. "Criticism is also normal, but the right to express one's thoughts should always be preserved. Anyway, like I always have done, I take responsibility for my comments." Buffon also responded to Italian Prime Minster Mario Monti's suggestion that football should be suspended for two to three years in light of the latest corruption scandal. "I think that a suspension would mean penalising the majority of players who are without blame," the World Cup winner argued. "The important thing is to make the right distinction between abnormal behaviour and criminal behaviour." Buffon insisted that the controversy, which has drawn comparisons with the Calciopoli scandal which overshadowed Italy's 2006 World Cup success, will not have an adverse effect on the Azzurri's preparations for Euro 2012. "The national team, like me, is arriving at Euro 2012 with great desire to win and hoping that if we do well all this controversy will go away," he admitted. "The atmosphere in the dressing room is good, I see Balotelli and Cassano doing very well." Italy have been drawn in the same group as defending champions Spain, Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland and Croatia.

The best deep-lying playmaker in the world - Italy's key man Andrea Pirlo With the start of Euro 2012 just over a week away, Goal.com International's Italy expert Alex Mott profiles Juventus and Azzurri maestro Andrea Pirlo. May 30, 2012 As the creative hub from which everything revolves, Andrea Pirlo is the key cog in Cesare Prandelli's Italian machine. Dubbed 'l'architetto' (the architect) by team-mates, his vision and range of passing make him arguably the best deep-lying playmaker in the world; and that's certainly something Italy will want to exploit in Poland and Ukraine. With a probable duo of Daniele De Rossi and Claudio Marchisio alongside him in the Azzurri midfield, Pirlo will have the freedom to pretty much do as he pleases, a trick he has perfected for Juventus this past season. The Lombardy-born midfielder has enjoyed something of a renaissance in 2011-12, having left Milan for the Bianconeri last summer. Pirlo is now seen as the catalyst for the Old Lady's Scudetto triumph. His 37 appearances for the Turin giants yielded an astonishing 13 assists, the most in Serie A. And he also contributed three vital goals: at home to Roma and Catania, as well as away at Fiorentina back in March. Parma boss Franco Colomba put it best when he said back in April: "Pirlo is Juve's extra man, he is the player who has allowed the others around him to grow. I think that has made the real difference this season." And that sentiment was most recently echoed by Italian sports journalists, as they named him Serie A's Player of the Season. Goal.com also bestowed upon him the same honour. The 32-year-old is one of only four players - along with Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and De Rossi - to have been named in Prandelli's squad on Sunday having won the World Cup in Germany six years ago: a testament to his enduring class. That tournament experience will be crucial in and around the camp, as Italy aim to win their first European Championship in 44 years. "I always believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season" - Pirlo on his 2011-12 season As well as the obvious high of winning the World Cup in Germany back in 2006, he will also want to make amends for the Azzurri's dreadful showing two years ago in South Africa. It was a tournament to forget for the entire squad, but especially Pirlo, as former boss Marcelo Lippi was unable to use him in the first two games due to injury, sending him on for just half an hour in their last group match against Slovakia. Prandelli, like Juventus coach Antonio Conte, has made Pirlo the fulcrum of the side. A challenge that the man himself clearly feels he is up to: "I always believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season." Italians call him a 'regista', in England he is called a 'quarterback', but whatever he is, no one in Europe can match Andrea Pirlo's calm mastery on a football pitch. He's both metronome and compass; shield and dagger. He is Italy's key man at Euro 2012.

Prandelli: 'Bonucci is not Criscito' May 29, 2012 Cesare Prandelli has defended his decision to bring Leonardo Bonucci and not Domenico Criscito to Euro 2012. “Comparisons with 2006 are a cliché.” The Italy camp was rocked by a betting scandal, as on Monday police arrived for a dawn raid on the training complex. They arrested Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and searched the room of defender Criscito, while Juventus man Bonucci is also being mentioned in the on-going case. “We want to win and emerge clean from this situation,” Coach Prandelli told Rai Sport. “The most irritating thing is that someone linked Bonucci’s situation with that of Criscito, which is not the case. “Bonucci did not receive any official notice he was under investigation by police. This is why he is coming to the Euros with us.” It has also been said this scandal is remarkably similar to the Calciopoli storm that enveloped the Azzurri squad before the 2006 World Cup, which many credited as helping forge team spirit. “The comparisons with 2006 seem like a cliché to me. They say in difficult moments that the Italy team becomes more united. “I hope that will be the effect it has, but I don’t believe the theory that Italy only give their best under pressure. We should be giving our best in a calm atmosphere. “Now the important thing is to let people understand our intentions, which are to clean up the sport.” The Azzurri were meant to play a friendly against Luxembourg in Parma this evening, but it was cancelled after an earthquake struck the area this morning, leaving at least 15 dead.

Elkann: 'Juve not worried' May 29, 2012 John Elkann is confident there is “no shadow over Juventus” after Antonio Conte’s house was searched in the betting scandal. Police staged dawn raids to conduct searches and present notices of investigation on Monday morning, including Coach Conte due to his time at Siena last season and Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci. “There is no shadow over Juventus or this Scudetto,” club patron Elkann told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “It was a tournament won on the field and it seems entirely clear that the issues of the last few days have nothing to do with Juventus. “Today there is insufficient evidence to make any conclusions. This issue, as the sporting authorities confirmed, does not touch Juventus and now we’ll see how these investigations progress.” There is the risk Conte could be suspended, leaving the Bianconeri without a Coach for next season. “President Andrea Agnelli has said everything that needs to be said and was very clear. I haven’t spoken to Conte yet, but I know his state of mind and that is of someone thinking about the future and the many games to prepare.”

Bonucci implicated in Scommessopoli investigation? The Juventus centre-back will face questions in relation to his alleged involvement to fix former club Bari's meeting with Udinese during the 2009-10 Serie A season. May 28, 2012 Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci is also now reportedly under investigation as the enquiry into the Scommessopoli scandal continues to wreak havoc on the Azzurri's Euro 2012 preparations. The Juventus centre-back is under suspicion because of his involvement in Bari's 3-3 draw with Udinese during the 2009-10 Serie A season, according to ANSA. Ex-Bari defender Salvatore Masiello claimed last March that Bonucci was one of four team-mates he spoke to about fixing the outcome of the game in question. The report comes just hours after Domenico Criscito was dropped from the Italy squad for Euro 2012 following an early-morning search of the Zenit left-back's room at the Azzurri's training base at Coverciano.

Bonucci to face betting questions May 28, 2012 Juventus stopper Leonardo Bonucci will also face questioning as part of the betting probe, it is being reported. The ANSA news agency is claiming that Bonucci’s name has turned up during the investigation by Cremona officials which led to the arrest of 19 people earlier today. However, their findings have been passed on to magistrates in Bari who are also investigating alleged match fixing in relation to betting syndicates. Bonucci will have to answer questions with regard to his time with Bari during their Serie A campaign in 2009-10. The centre-back was named in Cesare Prandelli’s 25-man squad for Euro 2012 today, but Domenico Criscito was omitted. The full-back left Coverciano after police raided his room as part of their enquiry into the calcioscommesse scandal. Juventus will hold a Press conference this evening after the house of boss Antonio Conte was also hit by the authorities on Monday.

Pirlo: Italy are like Juventus The experienced midfielder feels that the national side are similar to the Serie A champions, and is confident the Azzurri can make the semi-finals in Poland and Ukraine. May 27, 2012 Andrea Pirlo believes that Italy are similar to Juventus and insisted that the Azzurri have the quality to challenge for top honours at Euro 2012. The Bianconeri surprised everyone by winning the Serie A title in 2011-12, and Pirlo feels that the national team can achieve similar success at this summer's European Championship. "Italy are mentally very strong. This team is a lot like Juventus. We have everything it takes to go far at Euro 2012, and I'm confident that we can be successful," Pirlo stated at a press conference. "We are not one of the favourites to win the competition, but our objective is to go all the way. I am convinced that Italy can make it to the semi-finals. "We enjoy our football again, have plenty of quality and are hungry for success. Spain are the favourites, and Holland, Germany and France are great teams, too. We are Italy, though, and we want to reach at least the semi-finals." Italy are paired with Croatia, Republic of Ireland and Spain at Euro 2012.

Pirlo: 'Italy are like Juventus' May 27, 2012 Andrea Pirlo is confident Italy can shine at Euro 2012 by taking inspiration from Juventus. “At Milan they thought I was finished, but here I am...” The midfielder’s contract with the Rossoneri was allowed to expire a year ago and he revitalised his career by becoming decisive for Scudetto winners Juventus. “At Milan they thought I was finished, but here I am...” smiled Pirlo in a press conference on international duty with Italy. “I don’t know if I will continue my Azzurri career until the 2014 World Cup. We’ll see if I am still useful and will still be called up.” Cesare Prandelli has pledged that Pirlo will have a crucial role in the European Championships next month. “Our objective is to go all the way in this competition. We are not among the favourites and we know that, but I am convinced Italy can finish in the top four. “Spain are the reigning World and European Champions, so clearly they are the favourites. Then there are great sides like Holland, Germany and France. “Italy have great inner strength. This side resembles Juventus and can go far, as we have everything we need to go far. “We enjoy playing our football together, have quality and hunger, so those are our strengths. We aim to reach at least the semi-finals, because we are Italy and we can do it. “Am I crucial? There are many strong players here and it’s not always true that the one with the most touches during a game is the most important. In any case, I am happy to take my share of the responsibility. “I have no problem changing position on the field, as I’ve always happily adapted both at club and international level. We’re used to playing in various systems, so Coach Prandelli will decide.”

Buffon: Balotelli would fit in at Juventus The Bianconeri goalkeeper has admitted the controversial former Inter forward would be a success if he signed for the newly-crowned Italian champions. May 26, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that temperamental Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli would fit in at Juventus. The Etihad Stadium forward has been linked with a move back to his homeland this summer, and his international team-mate feels he would be a success in Turin. “Would Balotelli fit in at Juve? I’d see him do well here, as he’d fit in with all the strongest teams in the world,” Buffon told Sky Sport Italia. “He has potential and now we can say a little more than that, because he also proved in many occasions that he can decide a game. “If Mario came to Juventus he’d certainly become an idol for the fans. He is one of those characters who are in certain ways denigrated – even hated – by opposition fans, but is idolised by his own supporters.” The Bianconeri lifted the Serie A title with an unbeaten campaign in 2011-12, and Buffon has been quick to herald the impact of coach Antonio Conte. “The coach has been put at the centre of the project with his beliefs and his knowledge of Juve. In general you can never tell quite how much a coach affects a team, but I can say with certainty that our tactician has made a huge impact, more than anyone else, on this campaign. “It was possible because the team and club wanted to follow him.” Finally, Buffon praised outgoing attacker Alessandro Del Piero, who will leave the Turin side this summer. “We lose a lot without Alex. First of all I am losing a friend and a companion. We were together for 11-12 years and they were full of incidents, good and less good. There is enormous disappointment to be saying goodbye, as more than ever this year he has shown how he helps the Juve cause. “There was never a moment in which we heard him complain, as he always trained hard and set an example to the squad. In fact, he scored three or four goals that proved to be decisive,” Buffon concluded.

Bonucci: 'Italy can rely on Juve' May 26, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci is confident the Juventus defensive block will remain solid at Euro 2012, as “the Coppa Italia Final was just a blip.” The Bianconeri won the Scudetto and have the strongest back line in Serie A this season, conceding only 20 goals, so form the basis of Cesare Prandelli’s Italy line-up. “We at Juve were impatient to reach the Nazionale and got here earlier than the deadline,” Bonucci told Tuttosport. “After an extraordinary season with the Juve jersey, I hope to be part of the final squad of 23 and maybe even play alongside my teammates on international duty. It is only right that the Coach confirms the system that worked well in qualifying, though.” Juventus were unbeaten in all competition until the last game, losing the Coppa Italia Final 2-0 to Napoli. “It was tough to lose, but we still have within us a great desire to win. We are just at the start and certainly haven’t been sated by the Scudetto. “Prandelli did great work in training, giving Italy a style of football, a code of ethics and created a team in his image.” Bonucci was often criticised by the fans and media for his performances since moving to Turin. “It was certainly tough to go from a small club like Bari to Juventus, as the first mistake can be fatal. I had the faith of the Coach and the contract was renewed during my moment of greatest difficulty, so they really helped me.”

Montolivo and Chiellini 'improvements' May 26, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini and Riccardo Montolivo underwent tests on their thigh strains that showed “improvements for both.” The two players are both carrying injuries going into Euro 2012 and it remains to be seen if they can make it for the tournament. “The response of the tests showed improvements for both, even if obviously they are not 100 per cent yet and it’ll take a few more days to see further changes,” said chief medic Professor Enrico Castellacci. “I outlined the situation to Cesare Prandelli and he seemed relaxed. Obviously it’s up to him to decide on the final group of 23 players. “The tests were originally meant to be on Monday, but that is a packed day and it wouldn’t have made much difference, so we anticipated them to today.”

Ferrara: 'Verratti is not Pirlo' May 26, 2012 Under-21 Coach Ciro Ferrara shot down Marco Verratti’s status as the new Andrea Pirlo. “Maybe in 10 years...” The Azzurrini boss has seen 19-year-old Verratti propelled into the limelight by Pescara’s promotion from Serie B and his call-up in Italy’s long list for Euro 2012. “We are talking about a boy who was born in 1992. History will tell us if he’ll end up like Pirlo,” Ferrara told Sky Sport Italia. “For the moment there might be a resemblance, but when it comes to matching him, then maybe in 10 years... Andrea has never really had the publicity he deserves, as he is one of the best in the world.” Another Under-21 star, Lorenzo Insigne, has been linked with a move back to parent club Napoli after topping the Serie B Capocannoniere charts with Pescara. “I am convinced Insigne can make the step up to Serie A. In fact, he already earned that with their promotion. He has the quality to play with the big boys. “However, it would be a shame if he went back to Napoli without being a protagonist. I believe if Napoli make this choice to recall him, then it’ll be because they give him the space he deserves. There are so many young foreign players getting a chance, I don’t see why Insigne shouldn’t.”

Buffon tells all! May 26, 2012 Gigi Buffon gave an extensive interview on Antonio Conte’s contribution to Juventus, Calciopoli, Alex Del Piero, Robin van Persie, Mario Balotelli and Euro 2012. The goalkeeper sat down with Sky Sport Italia and naturally had to start from the record-breaking unbeaten run to clinch the title. “The Coach has been put at the centre of the project with his beliefs and his knowledge of Juve. In general you can never tell quite how much a Coach affects a team, but I can say with certainty that our tactician has made a huge impact, more than anyone else, on this campaign. It was possible because the team and club wanted to follow him.” Conte has been mentioned in the betting scandal investigation from his time at Siena last season, leading some papers to speculate he could be suspended. “I am not afraid,” assured Buffon. “That’s because I know him and I know football, plus I heard from many Siena players who gave completely different versions to the one put forward by the accuser. Also, those who belong in football already have a good idea on what happened in these situations. “It’s nothing to do with organised crime or something like that. In some cases you do think to yourselves it’s better to have two injured teams than a dead one, which is why occasionally you get draws. Working out the probabilities in your head and realising a point each suits everyone is not a crime.” Another investigation in 2006 saw Juventus demoted and stripped of two Scudetti, though the club continues to celebrate this as their 30th rather than 28th title. “I always say one thing happened on the pitch, another in different arenas. If someone asks how many Scudetti I’ve won with Juve, I’d say five, but they assigned three. That’s the truth.” Buffon went down to Serie B in 2006 along with Del Piero, but the captain has left Juventus after he was not offered a contract renewal. “We lose a lot withour Ale. First of all I am losing a friend and a companion. We were together 11-12 years and they were full of incident, good and less good. There is enormous disappointment to be saying goodbye, as more than ever this year he has shown how he helps the Juve cause. “There was never a moment in which we heard him complain, as he always trained hard and set an example to the squad. In fact, he scored three or four goals that proved to be decisive. “Would Balotelli fit in at Juve? I’d see him do well here, as he’d fit in with all the strongest teams in the world. He has potential and now we can say a little more than that, because he also proved in many occasions that he can decide a game. “If Mario came to Juventus he’d certainly become an idol for the fans. He is one of those characters who are in certain ways denigrated – even hated – by opposition fans, but is idolised by his own supporters. “I was amazed by van Persie, because I didn’t think he’d become such a good hitman when he was out wide. Instead he has shown intelligence to change position and become so important. At the end of the day I don’t know where he could be used at Juve, but that’s up to the Coach. “Luis Suarez is also a great striker who has been impressive on the international stage for the last four or five years, is very quick, can often skip past his man and find the winning finish. He’s a real hitman.” Buffon is currently on international duty with Italy preparing for Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland next month. “I said I’d be happy if Italy had a good Euros, which in my book means at least the semi-final. From there on in, nobody wants to lose and that’s normal. I think the group phase and especially the opening game has always been our Achilles tendon. “In the tournaments I played in, I don’t remember a winning start or one that brought enthusiasm. In this case we’re facing Spain in our first match, so it’ll certainly be tough and just reaching the next round will be a good result.”

Marchisio tired of Tardelli comparisons The are obvious parallels between the Turin native and the Bianconeri legend, but the 26-year-old has confessed he wants to write his own story. May 25, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has grown weary of the Italian media's apparent obsession with comparing him to Marco Tardelli. The 26-year-old Turin native has been nicknamed 'Tardellino' by the press given he plays in midfield for both Juventus and Italy, and has developed a keen eye for goal over the past year or so. However, Marchisio has had enough of the moniker, explaining that he wants to be his own man. “I’ve always been honoured by the comparison with one of the greats of the world game, but I think the time has arrived that we only talk about Marchisio," he told the La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Enough of the 'Tardellino' statements; now I want to write my own story. “I am old enough and mature enough to perhaps be seen as a reference point for younger players. Or I hope to soon become one.” Turning his attention to Italy's Euro 2012 opener against Spain, Marchisio claimed that playing against the defending champions would not faze the Azzurri. "Today Spain are the champions, but I don’t think they are that far ahead of us,” he argued. “We are not afraid of them and we have what we need in all departments of the team to go all the way. “We too have players in midfield to be scared of. Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi have won a World Cup, Thiago Motta and myself have tasted the highest levels over the last few years, generating the necessary experience in the process. Then we have Riccardo Montolivo and Antonio Nocerino.”

Bring on Spain, says Marchisio May 25, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has told Euro 2012 opponents Spain that Italy will have no fear going into their June 10 clash. The two countries have been placed into Group C, along with Croatia and Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland. “Today Spain are the champions at every thing, but I don’t think they are that far ahead of us,” the Juventus ace told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “We are not afraid of them and we have what we need in all departments of the team to go all the way. “We too have players in midfield to be scared of. Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi have won a World Cup, Thiago Motta and myself have tasted the highest levels over the last few years, generating the necessary experience in the process. Then we have Riccardo Montolivo and Antonio Nocerino.” Italy impressed during qualification with their possession play, but they do seemingly have problems in attack. However, the midfielder is convinced that both Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli, his former colleague at Under-21 level, can shine. “Cassano is a certainty and he has the backing of the entire squad,” the 26-year-old continued. “Balotelli knows that he can make the difference at any minute and he is aware that this is a crucial stage of his career. “I’m not interested in what he does away from the pitch, that is his business. I expect the European Championship to be his consecration. He has incredible skills and he needs to put those at the disposal of the team and the Italian shirt.” The Italian national team were heavily criticised after their disastrous showing in South Africa, but Coach Cesare Prandelli has been able to get the side back on track. “In two years Prandelli has cancelled the insecurities that we had after World Cup 2010. “He’s given enthusiasm and results back to the side. He’s also brought in a number of new things in terms of players and the philosophy of our football. “There are also youngsters coming through who are pushing us forward. I think our game is in good health and there are reasons to be optimistic about the future.” Marchisio also used the interview to try and bring an end to the constant comparisons with Juve and Italy legend Marco Tardelli. “I’ve always been honoured by the comparison with one of the greats of the world game, but I think the time has arrived that we only talk about Marchisio. Enough of the ‘Tardellino’ statements, now I want to write my own story. “I am old enough and mature enough to perhaps be seen as a reference point for younger players. Or I hope to soon become one.”

Marotta confirms Juventus' interest in Cavani The Serie A champions are willing to offer the prolific Uruguay international striker a five-year contract worth €30 million to swap Naples for Turin during the summer. May 24, 2012 Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club's interest in Napoli forward Edinson Cavani. Goal.com revealed on Thursday that the Bianconeri are attempting to lure the Uruguay international to Turin with the promise of a five-year contract worth €30 million. Marotta has now admitted that Cavani, who netted 23 times in Serie A last season, would be a fine addition to Antonio Conte's side. “Cavani is an interesting player and I believe he could be integrated into this squad," the Old Lady's director general told Radio Radio. "But he is the property of Napoli and their patron [Aurelio] De Laurentiis, has every intention of keeping a tight hold of him." Marotta also confessed that Juve are also tracking youngsters Marco Verratti and Mattia Destro, both of whom have been included in Italy's preliminary squad for Euro 2012. “We know Verratti very well," Marotta admitted. "Over the course of the past few years he has demonstrated his prowess and he is a youngster who is destined to become a top player. "Today he is more than just a player of promise and so can be considered a player of great interest. But we need to remember that these prospects must be allowed to grow in the right way. Otherwise, they risk burnout. "But, on our part, there is certainly interest. However, for him to mature for another year in Abruzzo could be the right choice. "We're following Destro, who is another interesting prospect. If we can succeed in signing him then well and good, but not if the economic requirements are not in line with ours." Elsewhere, Marotta revealed that Juve have yet to decide whether to hold on to Roma forward Marco Borriello and that the future of Parma star Sebastian Giovinco, in whom they retain a 50 per cent stake, also remains undecided. “We took a chance on Borriello during the winter market," he mused. "We took him on loan and have the right to sign him outright from Roma, an option which we are evaluating whether to exercise or not. “As for Giovinco, we felt that this player needed to mature elsewhere, so we sent him to gain experience at Parma, and this experience, has been very positive for him. “Now he is a player who is ready for any stage. So, we’ll soon clarify his co-ownership with Parma.”

Marotta talks Juventus transfers May 24, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has answered transfer questions about Edinson Cavani, Marco Borriello, Didier Drogba, Sebastian Giovinco, Marco Verratti and Mattia Destro. In an interview with Radio Radio on Thursday, the former Sampdoria official was quizzed on their summer transfer plans. The club are expected to make changes in attack, with Napoli’s Cavani and available Bosman Chelsea striker Drogba paired. “Cavani is an interesting player who could be integrated into this squad, but he belongs to Napoli and [President Aurellio] De Laurentiis is able to keep a tight grip on him,” he stated. “A lot of names are being mentioned, but I can say that Drogba is not part of our plans. He’s not a priority target.” Juve netted Borriello at the start of the year from Roma, as a replacement for Amauri and Luca Toni, with an option to keep him for €8m. “We had an opportunity to grab Borriello in January and we took him on loan,” he said of the player who struggled to score just two goals. “We knew of his ability and we have an option to sign him outright which we are evaluating.” Another player who the club will have to make a decision on is Giovinco, the attacker who is co-owned with Parma. “We thought it was best to send Giovinco out into the provinces to gain experience,” Marotta explained. “It has been a positive for him, he has matured and is therefore ready for any stage. We’ll soon sort out the co-ownership with Parma.” The Turin giants are also interested in two Under-21 internationals – Pescara playmaker Verratti and Siena striker Destro. “Verratti is a good player who has shown well over the years. He’s a youngster who is destined to become a top level player. Experience is crucial though and Verratti will have to grow gradually. “We are interested and we could consider leaving him at Pescara for another season.” “Destro is a really interesting youngster. We’ll make our move and hopefully we’ll get him, but if we don’t then whoever signs him would have done well.” Both Verratti and Destro were surprise inclusions in Cesare Prandelli’s preliminary 32-man squad for Euro 2012.

Chiellini: I wouldn't miss Euro 2012 for the world The Juventus defender is still sidelined with a thigh injury sustained against Atalanta on the final day of the Serie A season and missed the Coppa Italia final as a result. May 23, 2012 Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini says that he has no intention of allowing an injury to ruin his hopes of participating in Euro 2012. The versatile Juventus centre-back suffered a minor thigh injury in his club's final game of the Serie A season, against Atalanta, and was ruled out of action for 20 days. There are still concerns over whether Chiellini will be fully fit for the Azzurri's tournament opener against Spain on June 10 but he was able to offer a positive injury update on Wednesday. "I think I'll recover for the Euros," the 27-year-old Pisa native told reporters. "I have already started running again. "I've been waiting two years for this tournament and I wouldn't miss it for the world. On the day of the injury I was really disappointed, but soon after, I calmed down." Chiellini's injury has prevented him from training with Pescara youngster Marco Verratti, a surprise inclusion in Italy's preliminary squad for Poland and Ukraine, but has been impressed by what he has seen from the reported Juve target. "Verratti is definitely a young man with great prospects," he enthused. "He would do well in coming to Turin. He would only grow and improve." Chiellini, who arrived in Turin from Fiorentina in 2005, has been capped 50 times by the Azzurri.

Juventus will try to win the Champions League, says Marotta The Bianconeri official stated that the club will try to go as far as possible in the competition, and that they are considering a number of options to bolster the team's attack. May 23, 2012 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has promised that the club will fight to win the Champions League next season. The Serie A champions return to the prestigious Uefa competition after a two-year absence, and Marotta promised that Antonio Conte's men will try to go all the way to honour the club's history. "We must try to win, we cannot just be content with just participating," he told Corriere dello Sport. "Then, it will depend on many factors. Look at Chelsea, who seemed to be out and came out on top. "We are looking to increase the size of the squad, which is necessary because we will play more matches next season. "For that same reason, Conte and his team are trying to come up with training methods to use to prevent injuries." Marotta then discussed Juventus' transfer plans, as Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain have all been tipped to strengthen the Bianconeri's attack in the summer. "Van Persie, Suarez and Higuain are all interesting players," he added. "We are not interested in Mario Balotelli. "Sebastian Giovinco? We have always believed in him, but he still had to affirm himself as the important player he is today. "He has matured and we will discuss that possibility with Parma."

Juventus have lured Pogba away from Manchester United, says Marotta The Italian champions' CEO claims that talks are advanced with the French teenager, but rules out a move for Mario Balotelli and Edinson Cavani. May 23, 2012 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta claims that the Serie A side are on the verge of signing Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. The French teenager's future has long been a source of speculation and Marotta has stated that discussions are at an advanced stage, seemingly closing the door on the youngster extending his deal with the Premier League team. "We have lured Pogba away from Manchester United," he told Corriere dello Sport. "We respected the rules. "Pogba, for his own reasons, didn't intend to renew his contract with United. We informed the club and we are now waitinig for an answer. Talks are well advanced." Marotta also played down reports that Juventus are interested in signing Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli and Napoli's Edinson Cavani. "We have never thought about Balotelli. He doesn't fit the profile we are looking at, a profile which isn't based solely on technical ability," he added. "Cavani? You always have to consider the wishes of the clubs which own the players."

Andrea Pirlo sees off Zlatan Ibrahimovic to win Goal.com's Player of the Season award in Serie A The midfielder wins your vote as the outstanding performer in Serie A in 2011-12 as his impact on Juventus' title success helped him eclipse the Swede in our poll. May 23, 2012 The wait is over. Last Monday Goal.com asked you to vote for the player you believed had been the best in Serie A during the 2011-12 campaign. There were four candidates from four different clubs. They were Udinese's Antonio Di Natale, Parma's Sebastian Giovinco, AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juventus' Andrea Pirlo. And the winner is ... Pirlo. HOW YOU VOTED 1. Andrea Pirlo - 64.19% 2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 30.24% 3. Sebastian Giovinco - 2.98% 4. Antonio Di Natale - 2.59% Of just under 7000 people who voted, a whopping 4441 picked out the Bianconeri midfielder as the best player in Italy over the course of the past season to leave the other three on the shortlist trailing in his wake. While Ibrahimovic gained a fair chunk of the vote, he finished a distant second to Pirlo. The two took almost 95 per cent of the total votes as Giovinco polled 2.98% and Di Natale claimed 2.59%. Pirlo got his hands on the Scudetto for the second successive year, having been a winner with Milan in 2010-11, but this time around he had a much greater say in his team's triumph. He racked up 13 assists as the Old Lady claimed their first league-title win since Calciopoli, but more than that the Italy international was the rock around which Antonio Conte built his side. The 33-year-old added three goals to his tally in 37 league matches, and was also a part of the Bianconeri side that reached the Coppa Italia final before falling to Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. In moving from Milanello to the new Juventus Stadium, Pirlo backed himself as a regular starter in a title contender, and was quick to remind everybody of his winning qualities after Juve won the Scudetto. "It's a title well deserved and one that we wanted from the beginning," Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia. "I think that we earned it on the pitch. "I wanted to win and I did. I left Milan because I needed more motivation in my career, so I chose Juve and bought into their project. "I believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season." The honour of being named Goal.com's Serie A Player of the Season deservedly goes to Pirlo despite the superb form in front of goal shown by Ibrahimovic in the past nine months. The Swede broke his personal best tally for goals in a single campaign, netting 28 in Milan's ultimately fruitless chase for the title. His return included a first-half hat-trick at Palermo, and six doubles, with only one of those - against Inter in week 37 - not ending in a win for the Rossoneri. Such was his form in comparison to many of his team-mates that there has been serious questions asked of his future with the club, with some expecting him to move on after his first failure in nine years to win a domestic title. "I wanted to win and I did. I believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season" - Andrea Pirlo For Giovinco and Di Natale, it was also a season of personal and team success. The 'Atomic Ant' was the star of a Parma side that improved markedly on their 2010-11 finish, securing another season in Serie A with plenty to spare. Giovinco's 15 goals more than doubled his previous career best, and has led many observers to speculate that he could return to co-owners Juventus before long. Di Natale racked up a third straight 20-goal season, with his 23 strikes taking his tally to 80 since the summer of 2009. His continued form has seen him gain a belated call for the provisional Italy squad heading to Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012, while his 2012-13 campaign will begin with another Champions League play-off appearance after his goals helped lead Udinese to an unexpected third-place finish. Pirlo is the winner of your vote, however. The midfielder adds the Goal.com readers' accolade to the Serie A winner's medal he already has on his mantelpiece. So congratulations, Andrea! Now be sure to stay tuned in the coming days for the results of the best coach, best moment and best goal awards.

Padoin targets Juventus XI May 24, 2012 Simone Padoin is looking to break into the first team plans of Juventus boss Antonio Conte next season. http://markting10.nl/ The midfielder joined the Turin giants in January from Atalanta, but he was only used in six Serie A games and one Coppa Italia tie. “We’ll be in the Champions League next season and that is the biggest stage you want to play on,” he told Sport Orobici. “My hope is that I’ll be able to step on to the pitch with a bit more regularity in order to give the best of myself. http://markting10.nl/ “I know that I was criticised for leaving Atalanta and that was legitimate,” he continued. “However, the train for a big club arrived and I had to get on it. “Juventus will give me the opportunity to improve and offer me the chance to win some trophies.” Padoin, 28, had played in 19 League games for the Nerazzurri this term before his Turin switch at the start of this year.

Chiellini hungry for Euro glory May 23, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini insists that the Juventus players in the Italy squad are still hungry for Euro 2012 success. “It would be the icing on the cake.” The Old Lady officially ended a nine-year Scudetto drought this season and just missed out on the Coppa Italia when losing 2-0 to Napoli in Sunday’s Final. However, the Juve stopper is adamant that his Bianconeri colleagues are fully motivated ahead of the European Championship. “Us Juventus players still have an appetite,” the former Fiorentina man stated at Coverciano on Wednesday. “Winning at Euro 2012 would be the icing on the cake to what has been a great campaign for all of us. “Italy will go into the tournament in good shape, with changes after the disappointment of the World Cup in 2010. There is a desire to show that Italy can do well. “We were considered as a Serie B side over recent years and that was not right. We can’t wait to take on the best.” Chiellini should be in the squad even though he picked up a thigh muscle strain on the last day of the League season. “I’m calm and hopeful,” he added. “I couldn’t understand how serious the injury was at first, I was in real pain and I thought I’d miss out on something that I have waited two years for. “Now I’m focused on getting back as soon as possible.” Chiellini has been a key part of Italy’s tightest defence along with fellow Azzurri members Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. “A block of Juventus players in defence for Italy? That is something that the Coach will have to consider…” The trio can be used in a three-man defence or a four with Chiellini being switched to left-back.

Juventus can't compete with big European clubs on transfer market, says Marotta The Bianconeri director has admitted that they lack the financial resources to take on the big guns, and added they will have to look at alternatives to close the gap. May 23, 2012 Giuseppe Marotta believes that it is impossible for Juventus to compete with the cash-rich European clubs on the transfer market because of the changing financial landscape. The Juve director beamed that Italy used to be the focal point when it came to big-money transfers, but acknowledged that the rise of clubs such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain has shifted the balance. "Italian football used to be the point of reference when it comes to financial matters. That's not the case anymore. The market is dominated by clubs such as Manchester City, who can invest millions and millions," Marotta was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport. "The Italian clubs that used to invest heavily can no longer spend that much. We can no longer compete with the other big European clubs. "Juve cannot be market leaders in the current situation. We can only try and reduce the gap through good organisation, and with our football culture."